Square Roots is a truly one-of-a-kind craft beer and music experience. Returning to Lincoln Square on July 7-9 with more than 50 acts on 4 stages, this summer festival features three days jam-packed with music paired and the best local and regional craft brews. Here are six reasons why you won't want to miss the Square Roots folk music and dance summer extravaganza.

The 60th Anniversary Lineup

2017 marks the 60th anniversary of the Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago's premier folk music school and organizer of the festival, and Square Roots will host celebrations all weekend long. The multimedia Folk Music - Chicago’s Legacy, a look and listen to the role Chicago played in folk music history, will premier at the festival on July 9, from 3-4 p.m., as the showcase event of the festival. Stick around post-show when the school’s teaching artists will show participants of all levels to sing and play the songs that made an impact.

Old Town School is also celebrating "The First Lady of Song": Ella Jenkins. Raised on the south side of Chicago, Jenkins has been performing inspiring children's music for sixty years. Her new Smithsonian Folkways recording, Camp Songs, features Old Town School teaching artists, students and friends and Square Roots guests both young and old will be able to sing along to favorites like This Little Light of Mine and The Cuckoo! Documentary filmmaker Tim Ferrin will show clips from his upcoming movie about Ella's 60 year career. Saturday, July 8 at 3 p.m.

The Music

Multiple music stages, both inside the Old Town School and outside on Lincoln Avenue, will feature performers from local indie rockers to world music stars to Old Town School teaching artists and students including Meat Puppets, Nikki Lane, Joan Soriano, The Accidentals, Explosión Negra, Parker Millsap, Texmaniacs, Oh! Pep, Femina, Los Vicios De Papá and many more. Find a full line-up of performers and featured headliners at squareroots.org/music/.

The Food

Lincoln Square is known for its restaurant scene, and many of the top neighborhood eateries will abe serving up amazing dishes Festival attendees. New restaurants for Square Roots 2017 include Essence Of India, Art Tango, Jerry's Sandwiches and Carbon Arc. They round out the collection of Lincoln Square favorites like Gather, Bistro Campagne, Miku Sushi and many more. Check out the full list of menu offerings at squareroots.org/vendors/#food.

The Market Vendors

An in-festival marketplace will feature the goods of a number of Lincoln Square neighborhood artisans. Don't miss “Maker’s Row,” a partnership between Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, Tytin Jewelry and Everlasting Fire Studio. A full roster of vendors is available at squareroots.org/vendors/.

The Family Fun

Square Roots is one of the only festivals in the city that truly welcomes even the tiniest tots. There’s a dedicated children's pavilion completed with interactive fun: learn a new square dance in the family barn, sing along with the Dreamtree Shakers and belt out some hits with your little ones at Karaoke with Kids. To view a full list of family fun activities, visit squareroots.org/familyfun/.

Author: Amy Bizzarri

Amy Bizzarri is a freelance writer specializing in family fun and travel, a Chicago public schools world language teacher, and an avid reader. She lives with her two kids – a tween boy and a toddler girl – in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. Follow Amy and her adventures in Chicago and beyond on her personal blog, AmyWrites312.com.